Chapter 36:

Chapter 36:

She had fallen behind in the succession to the throne.

Serena was the first to sense this after the series of events had concluded.

The commotion surrounding Ascal Debrue, the sleeping or hidden dragon of the empire, had changed many things.

Those courtiers who, apart from the Emperor himself, had wielded significant power, were ousted from their positions, and the White Tower, which had remained a neutral ground, had formed an alliance with the empire.

Ascal Debrue had become a name recognized not just nationally, but also around the world.

And...

There was no mention of Serena Barbas name among the noble royal families that helped clear Ascal Debrues name.

Being the second is an ambiguous position.

Serena whispered this to the figure opposite her.

The eldest takes away from you for being the eldest, and the youngest takes from you for being the youngest.

She didnt want to be robbed.

She wanted something of her very own.

That was the driving force behind Serenas actions.

Thats why I didnt want to lose the empire to anyone.

Serena took a step forward.

The lights brightened.

The figure had black hair and wore a half-mask for the theater, concealing their face, and a long black cloak trailed on the floor.

Thats why I wanted to become the Emperor. But recently, my reasons have changed.

Serena reached out her hand to the figure.

But her hand just passed through, as if through air.

With a small sigh and a flick of her wrist, the figure vanished without a trace.

If I become the Emperor, will you take interest in me then? And Ill be able to find you, even though you leave no trace.

A magically conjured illusion might fade quickly, but the memories of that day remained as vivid as ever.

Serena gathered her resolve and walked to her desk.

There, amidst a pile of half-written letters, was a rejection letter from Ascal, mixed in with the others.

Also there, was a neatly organized list of key figures she needed to win over in her bid for the throne.

Marquis Gaius - A well-connected figure in the central political sphere. Owns a vineyard. Wealthy.

Count Telio - Commander of the Rose Knights. Difficult to persuade but once loyal, he rarely betrays.

And the highest among them.

Ascal Debrue - A person who must be won over to become the Emperor (Remember)

Ascal Debrue. Youre mine. I cant let anyone else have you. To become the Emperor, and to find that person as well.

If he wont come from there, then I must go to him.

Serena headed to his office herself.

To obtain Ascal.

Director Ascal is currently out. He went down to his family home yesterday.

Why???

****

The carriage jolted.

This wasnt a road of the Empire. It was a path leading to the countryside.

Ascal cautiously checked the person opposite him.

Platinum blonde hair that seemed soft to the touch, fluttering with the movement of the carriage.

Swish, swish.

Apparently exhausted, the platinum-haired girl succumbed to sleep, breathing softly despite the discomfort of the carriage.

They were on their way down to Ascals family home.

If possible, really if possible, Ascal did not want to go. He wanted to spend this holiday in the capital.

Besides, there was a ticking time bomb of uncertainty sitting opposite him.

Yulia Barba.

Please, just keep sleeping.

The third princess of the empire was accompanying Ascal to his family home.

To see how it happened in the first place, the story goes back to the day before.

.

.

.

Given Lias forthrightness, Ascal had no choice but to postpone the inevitable.

And in the meantime, he had to find a way to escape.

It would be best to depart early tomorrow morning. It will be a taxing journey; are you sure youre up for it?

Yes. I will bring my clothes and travel essentials.

And so, they agreed to meet in front of the government office early the next morning.

That was how Ascal and Lia came to be traveling to the Debrue family estate together.

****

Well be arriving soon, Lord Ascal.

That was quick.

With the empires newfound surplus, theyve managed to improve the roads here and there. It seems were reaping the benefits.

Really, if there was spare money, why indulge in honest work like road maintenance instead of luxuries and debauchery?

Ascal, harboring this genuine query, gazed out the carriage window at the passing scenery.

It was a familiar road.

Fields of crops spread out beautifully, and this year the climate seemed favorable, with fruit hanging heavily on the trees.

Livestock roamed freely, often napping on the hillsides.

This perpetual smell of manure is something I just cant get used to.

But the countryside scenery wasnt entirely pleasant.

Even though it had improved over the years, the stench of animal droppings assaulted the nose every time one passed by the fields. Lias face scrunched up even in her sleep.

Patter-patter-patter.

Sheepdogs began to follow the unfamiliar carriage.

Hee-haw~

The horses, upon seeing the dogs, burst into a frenzied gallop. The coachman tried to calm them to no avail.

Clatter-clatter-clatter.

Wait. Isnt this pace a bit too fast?

He could already envision the dreadful headline on the front page of the newspaper: Imperial Official and Third Princess died together in Carriage Accident.

Whats going on?

Startled by the commotion, Lia woke from her slumber. Ascal responded with dry wit.

Were about a minute away from an express trip to the afterlife.

What?

The scenery outside the window was changing in real-time.

Try to stop them.

The horses, theyre not listening to me.

Ascal opened the carriage door, intending to soothe the horses from the coachmans seat himself. It was quite a struggle to keep his balance.

And the moment he sat in the drivers seat.

Whoa, whoa, WHOOOAAAH!

A booming male voice resounded.

To their astonishment, the horses halted.

Phew... phew...

The coachman, who had almost crossed the River Styx, let out a sigh of relief.

In Ascals knowledge, only one person possessed such a skill.

Its been a while, my son.

Baron Aser Debrue.

He was Ascal Debrues father and the head of the Debrue family.

****

Seeing his father for the first time in ages, Ascal stood up.

But something was off about the house.

What should have been a modest-sized wooden house appeared to have transformed into a colossal mansion, as if by magic.

And there were servants bustling about whom he had never seen before.

What happened here at home?

We made a fortune with magic stone investments and discovered a gem frog habitat, thanks to you, my son.

...

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